The BICP supports the creation of SCI research videos RHI welcomes a new member to our Board of Directors Health Economics: Agenda for SCI Research in CanadaRHI appoints the inaugural Chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee

It is the Rick Hansen Institute’s (RHI) mission to lead collaboration across the global spinal cord injury (SCI) community to make a difference within the field of SCI; from cure to care. It is through this role as a collaboration hub, that RHI will host Praxis 2016, a unique knowledge translation conference in Vancouver, from April 25-27, 2016. By bringing together representatives from across the SCI continuum and beyond, Praxis 2016 will focus on harnessing the diverse perspectives present at the conference to develop tangible actions to overcome the barriers to translating research into improved outcomes for individuals with SCI. We are excited for this opportunity to inspire a new surge of progress, collectively moving us closer to our vision of a world without paralysis after SCI.

In this update, we provide an overview of this innovative conference. In addition to Praxis 2016, in this issue we are pleased to report on our advancement with SCI accreditation standards in China, as well as two celebratory accreditation events held in Ontario. We also turn the spotlight on researcher Dr. Dalton Wolfe, and provide you with brief news updates from RHI.

Enjoy this new issue of the CEO Update, and if you haven’t already, please register to join us at Praxis 2016 to help champion change in SCI research and care!

Sincerely,

Bill BarrableChief Executive Officer

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Praxis 2016: Overview of a conference focused on making a difference

It is estimated that only 14% of health-related scientific discoveries enter into medical practice and that it takes an average of 17 years for them to do so1. Even when knowledge is successfully translated, its use is inconsistent. In order to be successful, two major ‘Valleys of Death’ must be overcome… Read more

Canadian and Chinese experts begin work on implementing international best practices in spinal cord injury care

On January 25, 2016 the Rick Hansen Institute, Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH) and Accreditation Canada International (ACI) embarked on a unique opportunity to combine best practices to improve the lives of those living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Canada and China… Read more

Celebrating leadership in spinal cord injury care

Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Dalton Wolfe

The Rick Hansen Institute is fortunate to count among its many valued partners Dr. Dalton Wolfe, a Scientist at Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario and Assistant Professor at Western University. RHI recently sat down with Dr. Wolfe to talk about his current research... Read more

RHI News

The BICP supports the creation of SCI research videos

Through the Blusson Integrated Cures Partnership (BICP), RHI is proud to have provided funding to SCI BC to support the creation of two inspiring videos which help raise awareness about SCI research and support recruitment for ICORD and RHI research projects. The first video features RHI’s Consumer Engagement Lead, John Chernesky, who speaks to the value and countless benefits of participating in research studies.

On a related note, John recently co-authored a study with ICORD researchers, which looked at how the use of the vibration wave platform could alleviate muscle spasticity among people with SCI. His work on the study enabled an exciting benefit; the opportunity to take his first few unassisted steps since his SCI! Read more.

RHI welcomes a new member to our Board of Directors

Dr. Bernie Bressler, Board Chair, is delighted to announce the addition of Mr. Jeff Charpentier, to the RHI Board of Directors. He was appointed on Tuesday, March 1 during the quarterly board meeting held at RHI. Read more for the full announcement, including Mr. Charpentier’s bio.

Health Economics: Agenda for SCI Research in Canada

RHI and the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation are supporting the development and implementation of a health economics agenda for SCI research in Canada. The intent is to enhance decision-making in SCI care and the allocation of limited healthcare resources and research funding to support the translation of best practices; avoid excess healthcare costs; and protect and promote the well-being of Canadians who sustain a SCI throughout the continuum.

This 2016 report released in January presents a detailed agenda for establishing evidence of the burden of SCI and the costs and consequences of initiatives aimed at mitigating the burden. View the report.

RHI appoints the inaugural Chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee

RHI is pleased to share Dr. Keiko Honda has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Consumer Program Advisory Committee. Dr. Honda brings her experience in cancer research and behavioural sciences to this leadership role, through which she will be working with the committee to develop the roadmap for RHI's consumer engagement strategy. Read Dr. Honda's bio here.